IMM November/December Holiday Issue 2020

5 EASY STEPS ON GAINING SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS

The Holiday Issue + Opting Out for Turkey Day + Must-Have Holiday Trends + Hosting Your First Thanksgiving

November/December 2020

Shenea Brown

Creating a Community to Uplift & Inspire

Empowering the Graphic Designer in You Canva's Unlimited Potential

10 Ways to Feel Better About Yourself INNOVATIVEMINDSMEDIA.COM

MON DAY• O C .

Y A D N

CHOCO

O M E T T A L .

LATTE

W W W

ICE CREAM

IMM

TABLE OF CONTENTS 07 08

Editor's Note

08

Skin Care Tips for the Winter

09

by Tania Marshall 09

Must-Have Holiday Trends Get Your Shopping List Ready!

19

6 Tips to Host Your First Thanksgiving

11 22

By Cassie O. Lopez 22

IMM Exclusive

28

Empowering the Graphic Designer in You

Creating Her Community with Shenea Brown CEO & Founder, HerCollectively

By Tiara Barnes 34

5 Easy Steps on Gaining Social Media Followers

28

By Sheba Kamisri 36

Entrepreneur Highlight with Shannon Taylor

CEO & Founder of I'm Book'd Box 44 10 Ways to Feel Better About Yourself

By Lauren Vaughn

34

36

IMM Editor-in-Chief Matia Johnson-Buggs

Creative Director Executive Producer Contributing Editor Contributing Designer Senior Editor Design Editor Editorial Assistant Art Director Deputy Photo Editor Photo Assistants Staff Writers

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Writers Contributing Illustrator

Dominic Guerrero Taylor Klein Marcus Daily Kelsey Carter Angela Mitchell Alma Myers Patti Lawrence Wesley Sherman Josephine Vasquez Gustavo Becker, Noah Scott Cassie O. Lopez, Tania Marshall, Tiffany Davis, Emilio Cruz, Derek Hough Jonah Denworth, Jeff Ho, Mariela Naplatanova, Jonah Marquese Tiara Barnes, Sheba Karmisi Santiago Holmes

EDITORIAL OFFICE P.O. Box 1565, Bowie, Maryland 20721 info@innovativemindsmedia.com IMM Magazine is published content created by Creative Expressions Group, Inc. www.innovativemindsmedia.com

IMM Magazine | 05

NEED TO GET YOUR NAME OUT THERE? We'll help you bring out the absolute best in your brand.

ADVERTISE WITH INNOVATIVE MINDS MEDIA & SHOWCASE YOUR BRAND TO THOUSANDS OF LIKE-MINDED ENTREPRENEURS! Email info@innovativemindsmedia.com for more information. Rates may vary.

editor's note It's hard to believe, but this issue marks my two year anniversary as CEO of Innovative Minds Media. Two years ago, I was planning vigorously for the official launch, staying up until 4am to put together the website, and launching the Instagram all simultaneously. A year ago today, and with a powerful, dedicated team to back me up, we are stronger than ever before. So without further ado, I would like to extend a big, huge THANK YOU to everyone who has worked diligently to push the production of the magazine to the forefront. Everyone who has written an article, liked a Facebook post, or even commented on an Instagram piece gets a HUGE virtual hug from me! Your support is monumental!

The holidays are coming up, and everybody is learning how to navigate their social lives amidst a pandemic.

With out usual advice on branding and marketing, this issue brings you a look at some holiday must-have trends, just in case you're at a stump on what to snag this Christmas. Also, if you're not up to cooking for Thanksgiving, we have a list of some of the most delicious places to eat in our Nation's Capitol, and also, if you're pre-heating that oven with a little anxiety, there are some tips on how to host your first Turkey Day. But what really makes the holidays wonderful? Could it be the season to take care of yourself and your brand while allowing yourself time to spend with loved ones?

Whatever your holiday affair may be this year, we recommend one thing. Living it to the fullest and preparing yourself for what 2021 may bring! Reward yourself on making it through one of the most difficult years yet, and here's to productivity in the future!

Are you tuned in? Innovative Minds Media has recently launched our podcast! Listen to us on Apple Podcast, Google, Spotify, and a plethora of other platforms. Join CEO Matia Johnson-Buggs as she brings motivational pieces, branding and marketing vibes, and special guests. Also follow us on our handles below:

Cheers to you, CEO. Be blessed,

www.facebook.com/InnovativeMindsMedia/ www.instagram.com/innovativemindsmedia/

Matia Johnson-Buggs

IMM Magazine | 0 7

SKIN CARE TIPS FOR THE WINTER:

by Tania Marshall, Photo by John Adams Now that the weather is changing, it's not only time to break out the booties, pea coats, and scarves, but it's also time to take care of your skin, even more so than before. By tweaking a few habits you can keep your skin fresh, vibrant, and beautiful with these five tips below: The Spa is Your Friend Schedule yourself a much needed sugar-scrub or full day at the spa. Your skin will thank you!

Exfoliate Twice a Week The winter weather can be cold and dehydrating for your skin. This will also remove dead skin cells and allow the skin to absorb moisture.

IMM Magazine | 08

Stay Hydrated Remember to drink 6-8 glasses of water every day.

Water consumption can also aid in weight loss.

Drink Warm Lemon Water This drink is insanely inexpensive to make (haha, it's actually free), keeps skin glowing, aids in digestion, and can help you lose weight and is packed with vitamin C. Get Plenty of Rest Money can't buy the benefits of a good night's rest.

Your oxygen levels will drop if you don't get enough sleep, meaning that your cells will not be renewed as quickly. >>

MUST-HAVE Holiday

Everything to to

blazers, see

store

what for

Trends

from flip

jewelry through

trends

the

are

in

holidays!

IMM Magazine | 10

IMM Magazine | 12

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IMM Magazine | 16

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EXCLUSIVE

6

Tips

to Host Your First Thanksgiving Are you a bundle of nerves due to We did a poll and asked our readers for you hosting Thanksgiving for the their Anxiety into hosting your first Thanksgiving is rising. Don't be scared out of your wits. Use these 6 tips to help you navigate Turkey Day with ease!

best

advice

on

hosting

first time this year? Well, join the Thanksgiving dinner, and here are 6 club and wipe that sweat off your essentials, distilled from the most brow. Hosting and cooking this great frequent points we heard, that will suit American meal is a big milestone for you

the

best

in

preparation.

If

a cook, but it also can be a HUGE Thanksgiving seems daunting, these 6 moment of some nail-biting anxiety essentials will make it less so. They’ll

WRITTEN BY CASSIE O. LOPEZ

and nerves. Well, our readers have show you how to get organized, stay

PHOTOS BY JONAH DENWORTH

quite a lot of advice for you.

calm, and enjoy Thanksgiving more than ever!

IMM Magazine | 19

#1. Stick with Tradition

#4. Cook Ahead

Thanksgiving is not the time to switch things up or try

Make sure to cook what you can in the days in advance. You

something "new." Give the people what they want and

can prep the turkey the night before, so that you just have to

what they'll expect. That means don't serve tapioca-shrimp

place it in the oven in the morning. Mashed potatoes can be

pudding or cajun fried rice instead of turkey and stuffing.

made ahead of time and heated. And you can set the table and

Make it easy on yourself and stick to the basics, no matter

have all the serving dishes out and ready to go the night

how many Youtube videos you have to watch on basting a

before.

turkey. #5. Call in the Reinforcements #2. Create the Right Ambience

Still feeling like you don't know what you're doing? Moms or

Get into the spirit of having a little decor. Create a festive

grandmothers come in handy at this stage. Also, there might

place for people to mingle and eat. Fall leaves or branches,

be relatives who will want to actually help you cook. If things

acorns, or cornucopias can be used to decorate your dining

get really bad, you can always call the Butterball Thanksgiving

room. You can prepare at the start of November or at least

hotline at 1-800-BUTTERBALL (yes, this is a real hotline and

in the week before the holiday.

we aren't just joking). The Butterball Web site also offers online chats that run periodically before Thanksgiving and

#3. Plan Ahead

turkey text messages.

Part of the reason hosts get stressed out on Thanksgiving is because they're unprepared and they wait until the last

#6. Remember the True Meaning of Thanksgiving

minute. Instead, you should choose your menu about one

The purpose of the holiday is to show gratitude for the bounty

month before the holiday. Write it out - from cocktails to

we have in our lives. Ask everyone to share for what they are

appetizers to dessert. Determine what ingredients you'll

thankful. Be the first to show your gratitude. You are the host

need and plan in advance.

of Thanksgiving, after all! >>

IMM Magazine | 20

27

Opting Out for Turkey Day Are you not much of a cooker? Don't have any big plans for Thanksgiving and don't feel like putting up with your dysfunctional family? Listen, we've been home enough all year, so if you want to go out and eat Thanksgiving dinner amidst a little social distancing, by all means, go for it!

DC’s got plenty of opting-out, out and about, restaurant options just for you. For starters, you can hit up Bourbon Steak Restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue for an array of delicious choices on their menu, including toasted hazelnut crunch, sweetbreads with beets, pistachio, campari, and roasted turkey.

For other options, we have The Buddha Bar and Blue Duck Tavern. So don’t you dare preheat that oven! With all of these good choices you can never be bored, or hungry! Enjoy!

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IMM Magazine | 21

EXCLUSIVE

COVER STORY with Shenea Brown Photographer: Omar Faroul

CREATING HER COMMUNITY A COVER INTERVIEW WITH ENTREPRENEUR, SHENEA BROWN With creating a community where women of color can

SB: It is interesting you ask that because I never saw

be valued and uplifted, Shenea Brown has hit a

myself becoming an entrepreneur. I think my love for

goldmine. As Founder and CEO of HerCollectively,

women empowerment and love of community made

she

are

other people see something in me. I remember having

unbreakable so that women can embrace who they are

a conversation with a girlfriend Natasha Gordon last

authentically.

of

summer and she encouraged me to do it. At the time

sisterhood, she's empowering, strengthening, and

she recently started her own consulting company, Joy

goal-setting. Find out what drives this CEO woman of

Gordon Consulting. She is a fellow Educator like

God below:

myself so I was thinking, “Sis, when did you make the

concentrates

on

While

forming shifting

bonds the

that

narrative

IMM: How did you develop the idea of your brand, HerCollectively?”

SB: I joined a program called the DreamHER Program.

A Group Coaching program led by Janelle Langford, which is an 8-week program that is designed for women who want to get their businesses off the ground. Her mission is to empower and equip women to manifest their God given dreams and ideas into a profitable reality. Janelle Langford is a Branding and Life Stylist and has been in the entrepreneurial industry for over 15 years. She helped me think more critically about my brand, the colors, the theme and logos. I could not thank her enough. She took my vision and made it a reality.

time to get this done?” She said that I had everything I needed to make it happen. I remember being so scared, fearful, and creating all these scenarios in my head as to why I could not make it happen.

My boyfriend further confirmed it and said to me, “You are way too socially connected not to do this.”

“People love you, you have a way of making people fell welcomed. This has you written all over it.” I remember being so scared, fearful and creating all these scenarios in my head as to why I could not make it happen. I already have a full-time job as a school psychologist so how could I possibly make room for being an entrepreneur? But here I am, doing what I never thought could be done.

IMM: What was your key driving force to becoming an entrepreneur?

IMM Magazine | 23

IMM: How do you build a successful customer base?

SB: By being exactly who I am and delivering exactly

SB: I believe you build a successful customer base by

what I say I will. Keeping my word bond. I am shifting

being consistent. You must be a presence on your

the narrative of sisterhood by leaving the door open

social media. Drop questions in your captions, engage

for other women. About two months ago I created an

your audience. You have to be a brand that people can

IGTV series titled: “A Seat At The Table” which is

depend on bringing quality content. Not just any

designed to have women who are entrepreneurs

content but content that speaks to the soul. Your

discuss how they are using their platform to make

audience can tell if your genuine or not.

When

room for others at their tables. There is something

someone steps onto the HerCollectively page you feel

special, unique and beautiful we all bring to the table.

welcomed, inspired and empowered. I would also say

I am here to help my fellow sister tell their story and

having your audience subscribe to your mailing list

share it with the HerCollectively Community.

ensures they are the first to be in the know on all things HerCollectively!

IMM: How does the HerCollectively Book Club work?

IMM: What is your definition of faith and how do you

SB: I started my book club group about four years ago

incorporate it in your everyday life?

titled "Women, Wine and Words" with a group of

SB: Faith is knowing God is working even on your

women who wanted to get together and create

darkest days. Faith is the silver lining in your day, the

dialogue through literature. Once I announced that I

light at the end of the tunnel. It is because of God’s

would be moving into a bigger direction with the

grace and mercy I am still standing, alive and present in

brand they decided to still be apart of it. However,

this world. I incorporate faith in my everyday life by

the book club group is a membership fee of $15 per

showing gratitude, being appreciative of everything I

month. The book of the month is available on the

already have. When you live in this way, God will

HerCollectively website. Currently, the book club is

provide you with more abundant living. I also make

made up of 8-10 members. You have the option to

sure to be apart of God’s word by taking part in a plan

pay quarterly or yearly. The book is on you, the

via the Bible app. During the pandemic season I must

experience is on me. Right before Covid-19, in

say I have drawn closer to God. He is really and truly

February I gathered all the women to have a book

the source of my strength. I also recite this verse to

review on our read, "The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi

myself everyday: “God is within her, she will not fail.” -

Coates at a black owned restaurant in the heart of the

Psalm 46:5. This helps keep me grounded and makes

Harlem area of New York City. We had such a great

me realize no matter what comes my way, God will

exchange over food, wine and drinks. Then COVID-

never let me fall.

19 happened and I had to think quickly about how I was going to keep the book club going during the

IMM: How are you shifting the narrative of sisterhood

season. Given the financial circumstances I decided to

through your brand?

suspend the membership fees.

IMM Magazine | 25

This would allow other women to be introduced to the

IMM: “If you had a magic stick, which are the three

book club group and get an idea if this group was the

things you would change in the world?

right fit for them. We welcomed two new members

SB: The three things that I would change in the world

and one of our original members. I coordinated two

if I had a magic stick are: ending the racial injustices of

virtual book reviews via zoom and the dialogue was

our black people, closing the educational gap that

everything! It was if we didn’t miss a beat. The

exists among our black and brown children, and

conversation just flowed and it was exactly what we

ensuring quality maternal health care for our future

needed during this season. We got an opportunity to

and current black mothers.

gather in Central Park in August and have a socially distanced book review on “Clap When You Land” by

IMM: If you were to write a book about yourself, how

Elizabeth Acevedo. The membership fees will resume

would you name it?

in January. I have learned that in this season you have

SB: “We Make Plans but God Laughs.”

to pivot, if not you will plummet.

IMM: What type of special projects do you have in IMM: You’re all about empowering through curated

store for 2021?

events. What is your favorite type of personal event?

SB: Some special projects that I have in store are: the

SB: Honestly, I cannot choose my favorite type of

Vision Board Experience Workshop with my dear

event to curate because I love curating them all. But if I

friend, Jessica Green of "Power in Pajamas" which will

had to pick one it would be the one focusing on the

take place in January 2021.

spiritual wellness of our women. The Vision Board

(March) I am going to be having an event titled,

Experience event held in January was so amazing. The

“Solitude and Restoration” which is created with two

energy of all the women creating their visions

members

collectively over food and drinks and laughs made my

Tyesha Williams and Wisal Abdulfattah. In addition,

heart smile.

also planning for a bigger and better 2nd Annual “Ride

from

the

For Women’s Month

HerCollectively

Community:

for Black Mothers” event. This is a bicycle riding We also had each woman discuss their vision board

event where I partner with other organizations raising

aloud declaring positive affirmations over themselves

awareness and donating funds to help support the

and their visions. We ended the night in prayer and it

work around the black maternal health crisis. I look

truly

left

forward to collaborating with some more women led

HerCollectively with their personal vision board, a

organizations and business as well so we can continue

goodie bag, and raffled off other amazing tools to get

to all grow collectively. >>

set

the

tone

for

the

year.

They

the women started off right for 2020. I also know that there were new connections made which is always at

Support

this

vivacious

movement

the core of a HerCollectively event.

www.hercollectively.com, and follow Shenea on her Instagram handle: @HerCollectively.

IMM Magazine | 26

by

visiting

EMPOWERING THE GRAPHIC DESIGNER IN YOU Author: Tiara Barnes

Do you need help creating a design, but don’t know

Since 2012, Canva has added two additional plans to

where and how to start? Are you just starting your

the platform--Canva Pro and Canva Enterprise. With

company, but don’t have enough capital to hire a graphic

Canva Pro individuals and small teams can customize

designer? Short on time and need a simple way to create

their designs bycreating their brand’s visual identity

stunning graphics?

using logos, colors and fonts. For less than $10/month users get access to 60,000+ free templates and 60+

I have just the solution for you---Canva!

Canva is an online graphic design platform that allows users to create a wide range of visual content--social media graphics, posters, flyers, logos and much more. The platform's drag-and-drop feature takes the complication out of graphic design. Canva empowers non-designers to consistently create breathtaking graphics.

With all the features included in the platform, it’s motto “Empowering the world to design” is very fitting. Users can access Canva for free along with 8,000+ free templates and hundreds of thousands of free photos and graphics.

million premium stock images, videos and graphics.

If you work in a larger team and need advanced brand and collaboration control then Enterprise is the right plan for you. For just $30/month users are able to establish multiple brand identities and control team members access to designs.

What if I don’t know anything about graphic design?

Canva has you covered. The platform offers educational courses, events and resources to get you thinking like a designer.

So what are you waiting on, check out Canva today!

IMM Magazine | 29

Alpha D E S I G N E R

S U I T E S

ALPHADESIGNERSUITES.COM

Top 5 Worst Holiday Gifts

Tis the season to be thankful for what you receive, unless what you receive is a big pile of crap that either you don't like or will never use. We all know the famous saying: "It's the thought that counts."

Yes, we've heard this before. But how can it count, when....there's no thought put into it? Just to be safe, view some of the most awful Holiday gifts from our

By Tiffany Davis listing here, and do yourself a Photos by Mariela Naplatanova favor and steer clear from these Holiday No-Go's!

#1. SOCKS Think about this one. Everyone has socks. They don't need you to buy them any more. Let's try to think outside the box.

#2. GROOMING PRODUCTS "i.e. soap, razors, etc."

This may very well set off a bad message. “Are you trying to tell me something?” They might ask you that right before the pimp slap.

Remember to duck.

IMM Magazine | 31

#3. HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS "i.e. PineSol, Bleach, etc."

Again, you may be sending off the wrong message. It’s not your home.

Why are you buying cleaning products for someone else’s residence? You deserve another pimp slap.

#4. GYM MEMBERSHIP Unless they have verbally expressed how bad they want this (i.e. Screamed to the top of their lungs on how much they want a gym membership, “Will somebody please help me and get me this!”, kicked objects, obsessively watched Carmen Electra workout videos over and over, you get the point), then don’t go there.

#5. COSMETICS Men, beware of this one. No matter how much that lady behind the MAC counter helps you, you will never know the exact shade, color, tint, hue, etc for your significant other’s skin. Leave it to the females on this one. We know beauty.

If you stay away from these baddies, then your Christmas shopping should be a breeze. Don’t forget, when in doubt, buy a gift card!

IMM Magazine | 32

French Connection C'EST LA VIE, MON CHERIE | FRENCHCONNECTION.COM | MONMACARONS

5

Easy Steps

on Gaining Social Media Followers Social media and engagement go hand in hand. Find out how to curate content that works.

The

number

one

question

for

personal and business brands alike is

It sounds cliché, but it's the truth!

how do I gain social media followers?

Nobody can be you, and that is your

However, the real question should

superpower. People can quickly tell

be, how do I set myself apart from WRITTEN BY SHEBA KAMISRI PHOTOS BY JONAH MARQUESE

the trends that don't age well and build a legacy for myself? The top 5 best proven social media following growth hacks include but aren't

IMM Magazine | 34

#1. BE AUTHENTIC

limited to:

when you aren't yourself. From your fashion sense to personality, it all counts. Your audience must trust you for you to be influential in their lives.

After you gain your audience's trust, they'll most definitely try recommended brands you collaborate with.

#2. KNOW YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

Socia-opoyl and political views are regularly shunned

Being aware of your target audience requirements puts

from, but, often speaking out about ongoing issues and

your content engagements for them as a top priority.

regularly being actively engaged is how well-established

Often times, this step is overlooked because people think

brands and personal brands have remained relevant,

appealing to everyone is essential. Ten loyal supporters

especially during times like today. Part of being authentic

are better than thousands of fake followers because

is using your platform to speak to issues ailing you

those ten people will advocate for you to their

personally and your community.

supporters, who will likely become your supporters as well.

#5. BE CREATIVE Your potential new audience and brands you'd like to

#3. POST RELEVANT CONTENT REGULARLY

collaborate with are looking for innovative and creative

Posting relevant content that you engage with your

ways to engage audiences. As long as your content

audience is vital. The algorithm will be in your favor the

provides room for creativity, you will continually gain a

more engagement you have with your posts. Be aware of

growing audience. You can do this by going live regularly

the times you post on your platforms by looking at the

to discuss topics that are relevant to the issues you cover

peak hours of engagement and post right before them.

through your content. You can also prepare one-minute video clips to post regularly on your feed, and lastly, by

#4. POST ENGAGING CONTENT

using reels the new Instagram feature.

If your organize your content to show you are a master at your craft, you must be willing to engage with your

BONUS Tip: Create a test social media account about

audience continually, so they comment on your post

something you are passionate about and see what works

about their thoughts on the topic. This applies to

and doesn’t work. You will realize no matter how many

personal brands and well-established brands, considering

accounts you create the trick is to remain consistent and

the social and political climate we are in.

follow the tips mentioned above.

IMM Magazine | 35

ENTREPRENEUR HIGHLIGHT

with Shannon Taylor

A DC based business on wheels: The Mobile Book Boutique by Culture House, Washington, DC. "Read, Dream, Create, Grow."

"I'M BOOK'D BOX" FEATURE ENTREPRENEUR HIGHLIGHT WITH SHANNON TAYLOR Got time for some reading and inspiration? Need an

IMM: What comes in one box?

antidote away from the hustle and bustle of managing

ST: Each box contains a book, custom bookmark,

your brand? Indulge in some "me time" and get into

personalized motivational letter, and 4-5 in theme

the I'm Book'd Box' monthly subscription experience

novelty items. The novelty items specifically fit the

that encourages creativity, growth, and the promotion

monthly theme and are most commonly products

of purposeful living through books! Shannon Taylor,

created or made by other small-owned women

CEO and the creative maven and owner of I'm Book'd

businesses or minority owned businesses.

Box, had a dream for people to gain inspiration while accessing a community of support. Find out more

Examples of previous novelty items are affirmation

about I'm Book'd Box below:

cards, buttons or stickers, gourmet treats and body

IMM: How did you come up with the concept and idea for I'm Book'd Box? ST: The idea for I’m Book’d Box came out of a need as a wife, a mom of two juggling a full time career and family and friends just how difficult it can be to make time to engage in activities that promote purposeful living. I’m Book'd Box was born from the idea that sometimes you just have to create a calendar appointment for YOURSELF! My passion behind I'm Book'd Box is to grant women the permission to take time for themselves to READ, DREAM, CREATE, and GROW. Most importantly, access to a community of support that can help you along this journey.

IMM Magazine | 38

butters or bath salts.

IMM: What does the process of shipping and ordering look like?

ST: Subscription boxes are shipped out the 1st of every month. We offer a 3, 6, or 12 month plan. The subscription plans ensure that you will receive a box monthly since monthly feature boxes are released in limited quantities.

We encourage subscribing so you won’t miss out. All orders

are

submitted

through

our

website

www.Imbookdbox.com. But it doesn't stop there. In addition to our subscription boxes you can also shop inventory from the Mobile Book Boutique.

The July Subscription Book box, filled with creative items that are included along with the book. That month's theme was “ Paint the picture of yourself that you want the world to see.”

- Sip n Paint

Wow, take a look at that face! The power of creativity and inspiration, right at your fingertips. This happy camper is in one of the Mobile Book Boutiques at one of our pop-up events.

IMM: We are just so in love with your mobile book

In addition to the bookclub we engage out Book’d

boutique. How does it work?

Babes through our social media platforms. We do

ST: The Mobile Book Boutique primarily serves as a

weekly Author features, promote our weekly events

bookstore on wheels, but is so much more. We use it

and where one can find us in the Mobile Book

as a vessel to further our mission, and create an

Boutique. We are in the process of developing a blog/

experience. The Mobile travels all over the DMV and

community platform for additional conversations

pulls up in neighborhoods, at pop up markets, and

about the monthly read and how novelty items are

private events, bringing books and the joy of reading to

being implemented in their lives.

the community.

IMM: How does one contribute?

It’s exciting to come inside and see all of the amazing

ST: We are always looking to connect with authors to

things on our shelves. From books to subscription

continue to grow our inventory and variety in the

boxes, novelty items and even our “Business Book’d

topics of the books we offer. We would love to

Shelves”- a small pop-in section where we offer

continue to collaborate with other small businesses

products of other small businesses for purchase. The

and offer their amazing products in our subscription

Mobile is 1 year old. Since our launch we have a

boxes. If anyone is interested in having their book

inventory of books from over 25 independently of self

offered in the Mobile or products featured in our

published authors and have featured products of over

subscription boxes, they can connect with us via our

45 small businesses.

website and complete an interest form.

IMM: How does one join the Sister Circle Bookclub?

IMM: What are your next steps for 2021?

ST: The Sister Circle Bookclub is a bookclub that

ST: In 2021 I’m Book’d Box is looking to continue to

promotes purposeful living and growth and the support

grow our brand and visibility of the Mobile Book

a sisterhood to assist you in the journey. We have

Boutique. We want for people to think of the Mobile

Sister-chat” meet ups were we gather to discuss the

first for your book needs before heading to a large

monthly book. We meet up at many different locations

box store. We are also looking to grow the business

to experience many different things. Meeting at a wine

by adding a small retail space. A brick and mortar

bar for a tasting or getting nostalgic and meeting at the

versus of the Mobile. A space to also engage with

roller skating rink. I like to say that books bring us

other Book’d Babes while continuing to product the

together but the experiences are #LIT- erary. You can

small women owned business ecosystem. Lastly for

join by visiting our website and checking out the

2021, we are developing the Sister Circle Bookclub

bookclub tab.

into a social club. Continuing to enhance the experiences and activities of our monthly meet ups

IMM: After someone receives their box, how can they

into something else beyond just books. >>

join the I’m Book’d Box conversation?

ST: The best way to join the I’m Book’d Box

Subscribe for an inspirational, collective box on the

conversation is to join the Sister Circle Bookclub.

Instagram handle: @ImBookdbox.

IMM Magazine | 41

A few members of the Sister Circle Bookclub after one of the monthly meet-ups. "We love to take pics and show off our books. I always say “Books brought us together, but the experience is #LIT-erary." - Shannon Taylor

IMM Magazine | 47

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